Gugs–born businessman backs education

A Gauteng-based businessman who is from Gugulethu, is calling on other local businesses to join him in ensuring that deserving pupils from the class of 2018 get the financial support they need to kickstart their careers at any tertiary institution in 2019.

Masithuthuke Holdings CEO, Liyanda Handula, has pledged R50 000 towards this initiative. This culminates from a successful two-day youth summit that was held at Intshukumo Comprehensive School in Gugulethu in July, which formed part of Gugulethu’s 60th anniversary celebrations.

This Youth Summit, themed: Kasi Future Leaders Find Your Fire Dialogue, was attended by more than 500 Grade 12 pupils from the three high schools in Gugulethu (“GDF encourages pupils to rise against their challenges”,Vukani, August 9)

Mr Handula said: “Being born in Gugulethu and staying in Gauteng for 18 years, I have observed that the majority of my peers outside Gugulethu are not making a difference in the area.

“We would normally convene during the festive season to exchange ideas and give constructive advice to one another. We all wish to make a contribution, add value and in so doing bring positive change to the lives of our beloved community.

“Due to many constraints, these proposals never materialise, hence we as the company have now taken this important decision to take a first step in making this difference.

“We would like to challenge other business associates from the same township to join in on this initiative”.

A task team comprising representatives of the Gugulethu high schools, and other stakeholders will work out the criteria for pupils to be eligible for the funding.